Daily Dialogue — September 20, 2013

Scarlett: It’s me, Melly.
Melanie: Promise me?
Scarlett: Anything.
Melanie: Look after my little son. I gave him to you once before. Remember? The day he was born.
Scarlett: Please, Melly, don’t talk this way. I know you’ll get well.
Melanie: Promise me college…
Scarlett: Yes and Europe, and a pony, whatever he wants. But Melly, do try…
Melanie: Ashley, Ashley and you…
Scarlett: What about Ashley, Melly?
Melanie quote: Look after him for me. Just as you looked after me for him.
Scarlett: I will, Melly.
Melanie: Look after him but never let him know.
Scarlett: Good night.
Melanie: Promise?
Scarlett: What else, Melly?
Melanie: Capt. Butler be kind to him.
Scarlett: Rhett?
Melanie: He loves you so.
Scarlett: Yes, Melly.
Melanie: Good bye.
Scarlett: Good bye.

— Gone With The Wind (1939), screenplay by Sidney Howard, novel by Margaret Mitchell

The Daily Dialogue theme for the week is asking a favor, suggested by rdlln. Today’s suggestion by NB.

Trivia: Uncredited writers include Oliver H.P. Garrett, Ben Hecht, Jo Swerling and John Van Druten.

Dialogue On Dialogue: Commentary from NB: “This is the Melanie death scene from Gone With The Wind (for which I cannot find a legal clip).

It’s a great scene because these two women have been bound together since the beginning of the movie because they both love the same man. And it’s their friendship that is really the narrative line because Melanie is the symbol of the old south and Scarlett of the new south.

But it’s also great because Melanie knows Scarlett loves her husband–but that her husband doesn’t care about Scarlett the same way. So she gifts her husband to her friend, knowing he’ll be cared for by Scarlett. And that she tags it all by telling Scarlett that her own husband loves her.

Finally, Scarlett finally understands, in this scene, how much her friendship with Melanie has meant to her.

All in about 20 lines.”

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